Got $350 burning a hole in my Paypal account

[RonFrank]

You can rent gear, and you will likely do so for a while unless you are ready to spend more like $1000 minimum.

I'd save up $1000, and then talk to Larry at ScubaToys, or see what you can do at a LDS.

$350 will get you a computer, or a reg, or a BCD, but the best deals (new anyway) are going to involve a combined purchase. ScubaToys has a very nice package that can get you much of the way there for about 1K.

If you plan on renting most of the stuff for a while, or just have to spend this cash, I'd likley get a computer.

Most packages are sold in BCD/Reg/Octo/Console options, and generally one can add a puter to the console or wrist for a good price when purchasing all this stuff together.

If you have issues with stinky personal gear, then maybe a wetsuit. Some people have real issues with renting wetsuits, and there is a reason some call them pee-suits. My dive buddy used his for a rest room on 2 of our OW dives, guess he was excited, and over hydrated a bit.

Ron

Just sold some stuff online and now I have a $350 balance in my Paypal account!

I've been real good and haven't bought anything (besides snorkeling stuff) sinch I've discovered and decided to get into scuba. It's been a rough month, because I sooo want to buy something!

Some local Pacific NW divers here have offered to let me try out some of there equipment later after I get certified, so I'm going to hold off on BC's, Reg's, Computer's, and the like for now, but is there any no brainer purchases I can blow my $350 on in the meantime? hehe

One thing I'm looking at is an underwater camera enclosure for my Cannon A70, but that's only $150 or so. Still leaves me $200 for other toys!

So what would you get?

Cheers,
Jason

 

[Uncle Pug]

The advice given is no doubt well meant but you do not want to purchase a wetsuit for diving here unless you have first done several back to back dives with one during the winter.

Save your money. You will be needing a drysuit. A computer will be a waste of money... especially if you dive a wetsuit.

 

[Parrothead_Diver]

Like most everyone else has already said. Save your money... You're gonna need it later.

Besides if you are going to be drysuiting it then you can't afford that with $350 and when it comes to the reg, bcd & gauges your best bet will be to work a package deal when you can swing the whole amount.

Now if your still itching spend some of that money. My suggestion would be to invest in divers insurance through DAN. Then lock the rest away until you can afford the rest of your gear.

Just my .02. Hey wait now you have $350.02. Keep this up and you'll have your gear in no time.

 

[rubbachicken]

I'd wait on the camera case until you get more experience

i'd have to go along with willar on this one
wait until you get your bouyancy sorted, sometimes mine goes out the window if i'm in photo mode
there are too many things to concentrate on, buttons to press

 

[Hardware]

Parrothead has a good point. Join DAN and save the rest. As you are taking lesons, you should already have an idea of what the gear costs. I stopped counting with my gear at $4000 (drysuit and the rest). But don't let the cost get you down. Diving is a truly an incredible sport. I rember the first time I saw a manta ray and it was so cool. Have fun.

 

[tfunk]

Hahaha, save your money, spend your money. I say give it to Uncle Pug because he's the one that wants you to save it so bad.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Yes... Jason send me your Paypal money and I'll save it for you.

 

[mempilot]

So what would you get?

Cheers,
Jason

Tank fills or boat trips.

 

[JRScuba]

I concur, DAN insurance and put the rest away to purchase your gear.

Dive Safely

Joe